By Paul Olayemi 

Oghara – Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, has been conferred with a Leadership Award by the National Youth Wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), in acknowledgment of his distinguished contributions to education, institutional advancement, and service to the Urhobo nation.

The investiture took place at the Rector’s Office conference hall in Otefe-Oghara, where Prof. Ufuophu-Biri also took the opportunity to appeal to the Urhobo community to sustain their backing for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, particularly its MORE Agenda — citing the governor’s educational interventions as transformative for both Delta State and the polytechnic.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, UPU Youth Wing National President Ughere Blessed described the honour as a direct reflection of the Rector’s steadfast dedication and the measurable impact of his tenure. He cited Prof. Ufuophu-Biri’s record of diligence, progressive institutional reform, and community-focused leadership as the driving factors behind the recognition.

Ughere also noted that the Rector has emerged as a significant ally in advancing the youth wing’s objectives — particularly in areas of youth empowerment and national development. He unveiled the organisation’s ambitious 25-year master plan, a strategic framework designed to economically empower Urhobo youths, safeguard cultural heritage, and promote long-term sustainable development across Urhobo land.

Among the milestones highlighted during the event was the unveiling and formal presentation of the Urhobo Youth Flag to the Rector — a symbol the youth body views as central to its growing identity and cultural mission. Ughere called on stakeholders across the Urhobo nation to champion youth-centred programmes capable of securing a more prosperous future for the coming generation.

The youth leader further praised Prof. Ufuophu-Biri’s concrete achievements at the polytechnic, including significant infrastructural development, curriculum innovation, the introduction of new academic programmes, and deliberate efforts to expand employment within the institution.

In his acceptance address, Prof. Ufuophu-Biri dedicated the award to God, the institution’s management and staff, the Oghara Kingdom, and his family. He expressed deep gratitude to the UPU Youth Wing, calling the recognition a renewed charge to pursue greater service to education, humanity, and the Urhobo nation.

Reaffirming pride in his Urhobo roots, the Rector commended the youth wing for its resilience and commitment to grassroots development. He also acknowledged Governor Oborevwori’s continued investment in education, crediting the governor’s support with meaningfully accelerating the polytechnic’s growth trajectory.

Addressing Urhobo youths directly, Prof. Ufuophu-Biri urged them to prioritise unity, industry, and collective progress — emphasising that the Urhobo nation’s rich human capital and cultural wealth must be preserved and leveraged as foundations for greater development.

The ceremony was graced by senior institutional officers including Deputy Rector Dr. Samuel Ogbogu, Registrar Mr. Efedi Chukwuemeke, and Bursar Mr. Omokaro Sunday, alongside members of the academic board, traditional leaders from the Oghara Kingdom, and media practitioners